The Ministry of Health (MoH) - Republic of South Sudan and the World Health Organization (WHO) have signed a landmark land agreement paving the way for the construction of a permanent WHO country office in Juba, signaling a strengthened and long-term partnership to advance healthcare delivery across South Sudan.

The agreement was officiated by Health Minister Sarah Cleto Rial and WHO Representative Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, with senior officials including Hon Undersecretary Dr Kennedy Ganiko as the signatory on behalf of MoH as well as representatives from the Ministries of Housing and Justice.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Rial described the signing as a milestone in the country’s health sector development.
“This new office symbolizes our unbreakable commitment to stronger healthcare delivery across South Sudan,” she said. “We are grateful to the World Health Organization for its steadfast support in building a healthier future for our people. By allocating land for the permanent headquarters, we are reinforcing our partnership and affirming that WHO is not only a partner in times of emergency, but a long-term companion in building resilient health systems.”

Dr. Karamagi welcomed the government’s fulfillment of its commitment to allocate land, noting that the development would enhance WHO’s operational capacity in the country.
“We thank the Ministry of Health and the relevant government ministries for ensuring that WHO is formally allocated land for its permanent office,” he said. “This will significantly facilitate our operations and strengthen our contribution to the health and wellbeing of the people of South Sudan. Today’s agreement is a symbol of trust, shared responsibility and our enduring collaboration.”

South Sudan became a WHO Member State in 2013 shortly after gaining independence, continuing a relationship that began when Sudan joined the organization in 1956. Since then, WHO has supported the country through multiple disease outbreaks and humanitarian crises, while also strengthening disease surveillance, supporting immunization campaigns, guiding policy development and building health workforce capacity.

Under the initial cooperation agreement signed at independence, the government committed to facilitating the establishment of WHO’s headquarters. While host governments traditionally provide office facilities, WHO committed to constructing its own premises as a contribution to the newly independent nation, with the government responsible for providing land, a commitment now realized.

Officials emphasized that the construction of a permanent office is more than an infrastructure project. It reflects a strategic, future-oriented partnership aimed at improving service delivery, strengthening primary healthcare and advancing progress toward Universal Health Coverage. It also aligns with WHO’s broader global shift toward reinforcing its country presence, ensuring faster response, stronger coordination and sustained impact at national and state levels.

For both parties, Thursday’s signing represents not just a formal agreement, but a renewed pledge to work together toward a healthier South Sudan.